MONTGOMERY - Ask Mark Dorman what he likes about his business, and it's likely he'll respond that it's the American made products.
"That's one thing we are really proud of," he said.
Dorman is one of three partners of American Braid Works, a manufacturer of specialty trims.
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MIKE?REUTHER/Sun-Gazette
Mark Dorman of American Braid Works examines cord at his Montgomery business.
Located in the borough's long-dormant industrial corridor at 165 Miller Ave., the company is among of handful of businesses coming alive in Montgomery's suddenly vibrant manufacturing sector below Montgomery Street.
"It's ironic," Dorman said with a grin. "I used to work here when it was Lending Textile."
The two floors of the brick building are filled with the sounds of clattering machines turning out products.
Fact Box
American
Braid Works
165 Miller Ave.
Montgomery
The 24-hour operation employs 12 people.
Formerly located in Cogan Station, Dorman decided to move after the business outgrew its site there.
"I wanted to open a store, but we weren't zoned for it," he said.
Valley Braid Works Outlet is the shop located in an old railroad boxcar next to the plant.
Dorman admitted it's not often a business uses a train car for selling products.
"It is unique," he said.
Moving into the 40,000-square foot building that takes up manufacturing operations took some time.
"We started moving in July and finished in December," he said.
Dorman calls his business one of the nation's few manufacturers of specialty trims.
"We do everything from bedding to window treatments to all types of customer uniforms," he said. "We probably have our product in every major retail outlet."
Dorman got started in the business when he was still in high school, working at Trimtex.
He feels fortunate to be doing well churning out and selling his products at a time when the economy is less than robust.
"We have the room to grow," he said. "There is definitely expansion looming in our future."
He noted that the company is now producing bridal trims, which could prove to be a niche market for his business.
Dorman's partners in the business are Marilee Bower and Giulio Tomei.
A brother, Jeff Dorman, and his daughter, Kristen Gray, also are involved in the company.
